Upcoming events and things to do in Asheville, NC. Below is a list of events for festivals, concerts, art exhibitions, group meetups and more.

Interested in adding an event to our calendar? Please click the green “Post Your Event” button below.

Sunday, May 18, 2025
King James at North Carolina Stage Company
May 18 all-day
North Carolina Stage Company

“One of the funniest and most moving plays about friendship in years”–TheaterMania

Set in a bar in Cleveland Heights, Ohio and spanning LeBron’s rookie season with the Cavaliers to the 2016 NBA Championship, two unlikely friends navigate their turbulent relationship through a shared love of the game. From the first quarter to the final buzzer, King James comes in clutch as a riveting love letter to the passion that is sports fandom.

Discretionary content: strong language

Thursday, May 22, 2025
Healthy Trees, Thriving Landscapes
May 22 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Bullington Gardens

In this series of classes learn about tree health care and maintenance.

By cultivating and protecting healthy diverse habitats for pollinators, for wildlife, for healthy flora and fauna, we benefit the individuals who live in and enjoy these spaces and for our community, as a whole. By creating natural areas in your yard and leaving the leaves each fall you can benefit many kinds of insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals which depend on the native plants and their fallen leaves and seeds for shelter, food and habitat.

Join Steve Pettis, Henderson County Commercial and Consumer Horticulture Agent and host of the Gardening in the Mountains Radio Show and Podcast to learn how we can do things better!

May 22, 2025, 1:00-3:00pm.

Sunday, May 25, 2025
Garden Jubilee
May 25 all-day
Historic Main Street

Immerse yourself in the splendor of Garden Jubilee, the Southeast’s premier gardening festival, returning May 24–25, 2025, to Main Street in historic downtown Hendersonville. Hosted by Friends of Downtown Hendersonville and presented by Stuller Power Solutions, this Memorial Day weekend tradition spans seven blocks and features over 150 vendors offering annuals, perennials, herbs, vegetables, and specialty plants. Local crafters present a wide array of handmade garden art, furniture, tools, jewelry, wind chimes, soaps, and more.

The 2025 Garden Jubilee Speaker Showcase brings together expert gardeners, landscapers, and horticulturists for inspiring talks and demos. Featured daily at the Historic Courthouse Plaza, sessions include keynote speaker Brie Arthur on container food scaping with Soil3 Veggie Mix, plus presentations from Jordana Chalnick, The Shady Ladies, and Scott Davis. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned gardener, you’ll leave inspired and equipped to help your garden thrive.

Garden Jubilee
May 25 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Downtown Hendersonville

Garden Jubilee, one of the largest gardening shows in Western North Carolina, will be held on Saturday, May 24 and Sunday, May 25 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on Memorial Day weekend. With nearly 200 plant and craft vendors lining Main Street, the Historic downtown will be transformed into a garden wonderland. 

Local and regional nurseries, orchards and crafters will offer a wide variety of plants and handmade delights and gardening experts will be on hand to share the latest gardening tips and techniques. 

Tuesday, May 27, 2025
Purple Party! Using Lavender
May 27 @ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Bullington Gardens

Let’s dive deep into lavender!  Participants will learn about the history of this plant, discover how it’s used to promote relaxation and wellness, and make their own DIY lavender products to take home.  We will make bath salts, pillow sprays, and tea blends to bring relaxation home!

Tuesday May 27, 2025, 2:00-4:00. $25.00/$21 for Friends of Bullington Gardens.

Thursday, May 29, 2025
Wildwoods Walk
May 29 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
North Carolina Arboretum

As spring transitions to summer, we see changes in the plants around us.  Naturalist and botanist Alexandra Holland leads this walk at the Arboretum, pointing out the array of late spring wildflowers in bloom and discussing seasonal differences in the landscape. Learn some basics of wildflower and tree ecology and identification while taking in the beauty of the season.

This program will take place outside and will follow easy trails and paved walkways. Dress for the weather and prepare to be outside for the entire program time.

Friday, May 30, 2025
Spring Plant Sale and Market
May 30 @ 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
North Carolina Arboretum
Calling all garden lovers! Join us on Friday and Saturday, May 30 – 31 for our annual Spring Plant Sale and Market. The Market features unique plants grown in The North Carolina Arboretum’s Production Greenhouse and includes over 30 local growers and businesses. Shop an outstanding collection of annuals, perennials and crafts to the sounds of live music. On Saturday, May 31st, children can participate in crafts at the Kids Corner. Rain or shine.
On Friday and Saturday from 10:30 – 11:30 a.m., you can join the free Adult Education class Introduction to Native Pollinators to learn about pollination and pollinators overall, as well as the most common pollinators in Western North Carolina.
The Arboretum’s standard $20 parking fee applies for all non-members.
Participating vendors include:
​​Appalachian DiviniTEA
Atlas Beauty
B.B. Barns Inc
Bear Necessities Farm
Bellyfull Plants Nursery
Blazing Star Flowers
Blue Ridge Exotics
Botanical Tortoise Co.
Bountiful Cities**
Bridge & Tunnel Coffee Co.
Buncombe Master Gardeners
Butterfly Flight
Connections Gallery Gift Shop
Finally Farm
Flower Moon Nursery
Full Moon Tea Company
High Country Nursery
Homegrown Tropicals
Imladris Farm
Inspira Homestead
Milkweed Meadows Farm
Resin8light
Sandy Mush Herb Nursery
Saturnia Farm
Shiny Hand Soap Co
Sloth and Crow Wood Craft
Sustainabillies
Tanager Plants
The Artful Plant
The Farm Connection
The Turquoise Tortuga
Wehrloom Honey
Well Seasoned Table
* Friday only
** Saturday only
Saturday, May 31, 2025
Spring Plant Sale and Market
May 31 @ 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
North Carolina Arboretum
Calling all garden lovers! Join us on Friday and Saturday, May 30 – 31 for our annual Spring Plant Sale and Market. The Market features unique plants grown in The North Carolina Arboretum’s Production Greenhouse and includes over 30 local growers and businesses. Shop an outstanding collection of annuals, perennials and crafts to the sounds of live music. On Saturday, May 31st, children can participate in crafts at the Kids Corner. Rain or shine.
On Friday and Saturday from 10:30 – 11:30 a.m., you can join the free Adult Education class Introduction to Native Pollinators to learn about pollination and pollinators overall, as well as the most common pollinators in Western North Carolina.
The Arboretum’s standard $20 parking fee applies for all non-members.
Participating vendors include:
​​Appalachian DiviniTEA
Atlas Beauty
B.B. Barns Inc
Bear Necessities Farm
Bellyfull Plants Nursery
Blazing Star Flowers
Blue Ridge Exotics
Botanical Tortoise Co.
Bountiful Cities**
Bridge & Tunnel Coffee Co.
Buncombe Master Gardeners
Butterfly Flight
Connections Gallery Gift Shop
Finally Farm
Flower Moon Nursery
Full Moon Tea Company
High Country Nursery
Homegrown Tropicals
Imladris Farm
Inspira Homestead
Milkweed Meadows Farm
Resin8light
Sandy Mush Herb Nursery
Saturnia Farm
Shiny Hand Soap Co
Sloth and Crow Wood Craft
Sustainabillies
Tanager Plants
The Artful Plant
The Farm Connection
The Turquoise Tortuga
Wehrloom Honey
Well Seasoned Table
* Friday only
** Saturday only
The Natural History and Ecology of Fungi: From Parasitism to Symbiosis
May 31 @ 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm
North Carolina Arboretum

Come learn about the biology and natural history of fungi in the Southeast and beyond. This talk will highlight the interconnections between fungi, animals, and plants. Todd will also discuss some of the region’s best edible species along with where and how to find and identify them.

Tuesday, June 3, 2025
Birding for Beginners
Jun 3 @ 9:00 am – 10:30 am
North Carolina Arboretum

Join us on this birding walk around the NC Arboretum gardens and trails in search of our most colorful residents. We will go over best practices for using binoculars, recommendations for purchasing your own binoculars, and popular field guides to use. Bring your own binoculars but if you do not have a pair we have some loaner binoculars available to use during the program.

This program will take place outside and will follow easy trails and paved walkways. Dress for the weather and prepare to be outside for the entire program time.

Saturday, June 7, 2025
Blue Ridge Bonsai Society Show
Jun 7 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
North Carolina Arboretum

The Blue Ridge Bonsai Society presents its 2025 BRBS Bonsai Exhibition at The North Carolina Arboretum Saturday, June 7 and Sunday, June 8 from 10am – 5pm in the Education Center.

This year’s exhibition will feature guest artist Chris Baker, Bonsai Curator at the Chicago Botanical Garden. Chris will be giving a demo/program, multiple workshops, and a commentary on club member trees displayed in the show.

Sunday, June 8, 2025
Botanical Art Workshop
Jun 8 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Asheville Salt Cave

Merging art, nature and wellness! 🌺🌸🪻🌸🌺

Come join us for a creative, healing, and inspiring morning in the beautiful gardens of Asheville Salt Cave. Learn the art of flower pounding and pressed flower design from Alicia, of Passiflora Creative. Each participant will create their own set of botanical notecards. Enjoy a guided meditation and session in the healing salt cave and herbal tea sampling. Leave feeling restored and more connected to yourself and the beauty of nature.

Space is almost full register now
https://ashevillesaltcave.com/…/flower-pounding…/

Blue Ridge Bonsai Society Show
Jun 8 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
North Carolina Arboretum

The Blue Ridge Bonsai Society presents its 2025 BRBS Bonsai Exhibition at The North Carolina Arboretum Saturday, June 7 and Sunday, June 8 from 10am – 5pm in the Education Center.

This year’s exhibition will feature guest artist Chris Baker, Bonsai Curator at the Chicago Botanical Garden. Chris will be giving a demo/program, multiple workshops, and a commentary on club member trees displayed in the show.

Tuesday, June 10, 2025
Fairy Tea Party
Jun 10 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Bullington Gardens

Join the magical fairies at Bullington Gardens for a special Fairy Tea Party. Start your journey with a guided walk through the Fairy Trail. Your child will make their own wand followed by tea and cookies in the pavilion. This event is for children ages 7 and up. Each child must be accompanied by an adult.

Three different dates to choose from!

June 10th, June 24th, or July 12th at 10:00AM, $28.00/per child, $21 for Friends of Bullington Gardens. Limit of 12 children per event.

Gardening and Planting for Pollinators 2025
Jun 10 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Bullington Gardens

By cultivating and protecting healthy diverse habitats for pollinators, for wildlife, for healthy flora and fauna, we benefit the individuals who live in and enjoy these spaces and for our community, as a whole. By creating natural areas in your yard and leaving the leaves each fall you can benefit many kinds of insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals which depend on the native plants and their fallen leaves and seeds for shelter, food and habitat.

Join Steve Pettis, Henderson County Commercial and Consumer Horticulture Agent and host of the Gardening in the Mountains Radio Show and Podcast to learn how we can do things better!

Tuesday June 10,  1:00 – 3:00

Wednesday, June 11, 2025
Arbor Evenings
Jun 11 @ 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
North Carolina Arboretum

Sip and stroll through the Arboretum’s gardens in the glow of the golden hour, all while listening to live music from a variety of local and regional artists! ArborEvenings runs Wednesdays and Thursdays through September 18, 2025 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

**Please note: Outside alcohol is prohibited on the campus of The North Carolina Arboretum.**

There is no additional cost to attend ArborEvenings beyond our standard parking fee. As always, Arboretum Society members and their accompanying guests can enter for FREE (guests must be in member vehicles to receive free entry). Proceeds from ArborEvenings help support the The North Carolina Arboretum Society and further advance the Arboretum’s mission.

Standup Comedy Dad Jokes Picture Show
Jun 11 @ 7:30 pm
Pulp Lounge

Dad Jokes Standup Comedy Picture Show
Everyone loves dads doing jokes! Lucky for you these are professional comedians giving you more laughs than groans. Comics on the show do standup with pictures to illustrate their sets!!
Wednesday June 11, 7:30-9p in The Orange Peel’s comedy basement. PULP is a bourbon speakeasy (400+ varieties) located under the iconic stage. No food is served but we do have free snacks while they last and outside food is permitted (no drinks of any kind).
$17 tickets available at door or The Orange Peel’s website
Host is Hilliary Begley voted repeatedly Asheville’s Favorite comic in the Mountain Xpress. Film debut in the Netflix original Dumplin’ as Aunt Lucy, or “Jennifer Anniston’s fat sister,” and Austin Film Festival winning movie When We Last Spoke with Cloris Leachman, now streaming on Amazon Prime.

Thursday, June 12, 2025
A Mid-Summer Soireè at Overmountain Vineyards
Jun 12 all-day
Overmountain Vineyards

Join us at Overmountain Vineyards with DJ Aaron Greene for an evening of fun, food, and dancing! Ticketholders will be treated to Overmountain Vineyard wines, NC craft beers, and heavy hors d’oeurves while breaking down on the dance floor! More info to come…

Arbor Evenings
Jun 12 @ 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
North Carolina Arboretum

Sip and stroll through the Arboretum’s gardens in the glow of the golden hour, all while listening to live music from a variety of local and regional artists! ArborEvenings runs Wednesdays and Thursdays through September 18, 2025 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

**Please note: Outside alcohol is prohibited on the campus of The North Carolina Arboretum.**

There is no additional cost to attend ArborEvenings beyond our standard parking fee. As always, Arboretum Society members and their accompanying guests can enter for FREE (guests must be in member vehicles to receive free entry). Proceeds from ArborEvenings help support the The North Carolina Arboretum Society and further advance the Arboretum’s mission.

Friday, June 13, 2025
The Asheville Magic Experience
Jun 13 all-day
The Crow and Quill

The Asheville Magic Experience takes guests on a magical journey of wonder and astonishment . See the worlds best magicians performing live, inches away. Shows are have extremely limited seating with only 25 available for each performance. See the magic close up and experience the wonder in our unique one of a kind pop up magic theater. You can visit AshevilleMagicShow.com for more information and tickets.

Wednesday, June 18, 2025
Arbor Evenings
Jun 18 @ 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
North Carolina Arboretum

Sip and stroll through the Arboretum’s gardens in the glow of the golden hour, all while listening to live music from a variety of local and regional artists! ArborEvenings runs Wednesdays and Thursdays through September 18, 2025 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

**Please note: Outside alcohol is prohibited on the campus of The North Carolina Arboretum.**

There is no additional cost to attend ArborEvenings beyond our standard parking fee. As always, Arboretum Society members and their accompanying guests can enter for FREE (guests must be in member vehicles to receive free entry). Proceeds from ArborEvenings help support the The North Carolina Arboretum Society and further advance the Arboretum’s mission.

Thursday, June 19, 2025
Arbor Evenings
Jun 19 @ 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
North Carolina Arboretum

Sip and stroll through the Arboretum’s gardens in the glow of the golden hour, all while listening to live music from a variety of local and regional artists! ArborEvenings runs Wednesdays and Thursdays through September 18, 2025 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

**Please note: Outside alcohol is prohibited on the campus of The North Carolina Arboretum.**

There is no additional cost to attend ArborEvenings beyond our standard parking fee. As always, Arboretum Society members and their accompanying guests can enter for FREE (guests must be in member vehicles to receive free entry). Proceeds from ArborEvenings help support the The North Carolina Arboretum Society and further advance the Arboretum’s mission.

Friday, June 20, 2025
Blind Date Live
Jun 20 @ 6:30 pm
The Orange Peel

Blind Date Live

Show: 8pm | Doors: 6:30pm
The Orange Peel

Ages 18+

FULLY SEATED SHOW

Asheville, are you ready to heat things up? Blind Date Live is back on June 20th! Get ready for a night where love is unscripted, unfiltered, and more than a little unpredictable. Whether you’re single and ready to mingle or just there to see sparks fly, this is your chance to witness true love unfold in real time. Doors open at 6:30 PM, and we’re kicking things off with a sultry mixer from 6:30pm – 7:30pm to set the mood. Slip into the crowd, grab a drink, and who knows—you might just lock eyes with someone special. Or… maybe they’re just looking for the bathroom. How about that one? Oh, nope, they’re waving to their friend behind you. Awkward.

Then, at 8:00pm, the real fun begins. Hosted by Donnie Rex Bishop and Cayla Clark, watch as real Asheville singles dive headfirst into live first dates onstage. Meanwhile, the fabulous Toni Brown will be our maître d’, making sure everything runs smoothly, and DJ Lil Meow Meow will be spinning tunes to keep the energy going all night long.

There might be fireworks, there WILL be intense oversharing, and you’ll be on the edge of your seat through it all. Don’t worry, though—the audience is strictly there to watch. No participation required.This isn’t just another night out. It’s steamy, unpredictable, and full of moments you’ll never forget (and a few you might wish you could). Whether you’re here to watch romance bloom, relish in the awkward moments, or just soak up the perversion, Blind Date Live has you covered. See you there.
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
Fairy Tea Party
Jun 24 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Bullington Gardens

Join the magical fairies at Bullington Gardens for a special Fairy Tea Party. Start your journey with a guided walk through the Fairy Trail. Your child will make their own wand followed by tea and cookies in the pavilion. This event is for children ages 7 and up. Each child must be accompanied by an adult.

Three different dates to choose from!

June 10th, June 24th, or July 12th at 10:00AM, $28.00/per child, $21 for Friends of Bullington Gardens. Limit of 12 children per event.

Wednesday, June 25, 2025
Arbor Evenings
Jun 25 @ 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
North Carolina Arboretum

Sip and stroll through the Arboretum’s gardens in the glow of the golden hour, all while listening to live music from a variety of local and regional artists! ArborEvenings runs Wednesdays and Thursdays through September 18, 2025 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

**Please note: Outside alcohol is prohibited on the campus of The North Carolina Arboretum.**

There is no additional cost to attend ArborEvenings beyond our standard parking fee. As always, Arboretum Society members and their accompanying guests can enter for FREE (guests must be in member vehicles to receive free entry). Proceeds from ArborEvenings help support the The North Carolina Arboretum Society and further advance the Arboretum’s mission.

Slice Comedy Standup Pageant Finale
Jun 25 @ 7:30 pm
Pulp

Wednesday June 25, 2025.
7:30p-9:30p, doors at 6:30p
The Orange Peel’s Comedy Basement, Pulp Lounge, 103 Hilliard Ave, Downtown Asheville
Tickets: $17 (available at door or The Orange Peel’s website)
These shows sellout!
Hosted by Hilliary Begley from Netflix & Amazon Prime!
Cocktails available while you laugh the night away to some of the area’s best Stand Up Comics in a ridiculously fun adult environment!!
Free snacks while availability lasts! You may bring your own food in (no drinks)!
Winners from 3/27 & 5/14 Contestants: Cayla Clark, Darren Harper, Sarah Love, Mackenzie Manent, Foster & Jordan Ballard

Thursday, June 26, 2025
Arbor Evenings
Jun 26 @ 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
North Carolina Arboretum

Sip and stroll through the Arboretum’s gardens in the glow of the golden hour, all while listening to live music from a variety of local and regional artists! ArborEvenings runs Wednesdays and Thursdays through September 18, 2025 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

**Please note: Outside alcohol is prohibited on the campus of The North Carolina Arboretum.**

There is no additional cost to attend ArborEvenings beyond our standard parking fee. As always, Arboretum Society members and their accompanying guests can enter for FREE (guests must be in member vehicles to receive free entry). Proceeds from ArborEvenings help support the The North Carolina Arboretum Society and further advance the Arboretum’s mission.

Wednesday, July 2, 2025
Arbor Evenings
Jul 2 @ 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
North Carolina Arboretum

Sip and stroll through the Arboretum’s gardens in the glow of the golden hour, all while listening to live music from a variety of local and regional artists! ArborEvenings runs Wednesdays and Thursdays through September 18, 2025 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

**Please note: Outside alcohol is prohibited on the campus of The North Carolina Arboretum.**

There is no additional cost to attend ArborEvenings beyond our standard parking fee. As always, Arboretum Society members and their accompanying guests can enter for FREE (guests must be in member vehicles to receive free entry). Proceeds from ArborEvenings help support the The North Carolina Arboretum Society and further advance the Arboretum’s mission.

Thursday, July 3, 2025
Arbor Evenings
Jul 3 @ 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
North Carolina Arboretum

Sip and stroll through the Arboretum’s gardens in the glow of the golden hour, all while listening to live music from a variety of local and regional artists! ArborEvenings runs Wednesdays and Thursdays through September 18, 2025 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

**Please note: Outside alcohol is prohibited on the campus of The North Carolina Arboretum.**

There is no additional cost to attend ArborEvenings beyond our standard parking fee. As always, Arboretum Society members and their accompanying guests can enter for FREE (guests must be in member vehicles to receive free entry). Proceeds from ArborEvenings help support the The North Carolina Arboretum Society and further advance the Arboretum’s mission.

Wednesday, July 9, 2025
Arbor Evenings
Jul 9 @ 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
North Carolina Arboretum

Sip and stroll through the Arboretum’s gardens in the glow of the golden hour, all while listening to live music from a variety of local and regional artists! ArborEvenings runs Wednesdays and Thursdays through September 18, 2025 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

**Please note: Outside alcohol is prohibited on the campus of The North Carolina Arboretum.**

There is no additional cost to attend ArborEvenings beyond our standard parking fee. As always, Arboretum Society members and their accompanying guests can enter for FREE (guests must be in member vehicles to receive free entry). Proceeds from ArborEvenings help support the The North Carolina Arboretum Society and further advance the Arboretum’s mission.